Gemotions

The bitter chill of the hospital waiting room did little to soothe Leo's frayed nerves. His father's diagnosis, the words echoing in his mind, had left him feeling hollowed out. He paced, the linoleum floor cold against his bare feet.

He found it near the water fountain, a wallet, almost hidden in the shadows. He picked it up automatically, the leather worn smooth with age.

Opening it revealed a thick bundle of cash. Enough to pay for some of his father's medical bills, to ease the financial burden that was crushing his family. He imagined his father's relief.

A wave of nausea washed over him. The temptation was strong, a shimmering mirage in the desert of his worries. He knew what he *should* do, but a dark voice whispered a counter-argument. His hands began to sweat.